Spatial variation of fundamental couplings and lunar laser ranging

DOI10.1088/0264-9381/28/16/162001zbMATH Open1228.85001arXiv1104.4872OpenAlexW1982915990MaRDI QIDQ3173054FDOQ3173054

Authors: Thibault Damour, John F. Donoghue 

Publication date: 10 October 2011

Published in: Classical and Quantum Gravity (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: If the fundamental constants of nature have a cosmic spatial variation, there will in general be extra forces with a preferred direction in space which violate the equivalence principle. We show that the millimeter-precision Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation provides a very sensitive probe of such variation that has the capability of detecting a cosmic gradient of the ratio between the quark masses and the strong interaction scale at the level with the gradient of ln (m_quark/Lambda_QCD) ~ 2.6 x 10^-6 Glyr^-1, which is comparable to the cosmic gradients suggested by the recently reported measurements of Webb et al. We also point out the capability of presently planned improved equivalence principle tests, at the Delta g/g < 10^-17 level, to probe similar cosmic gradients.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1104.4872

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Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Equations of motion in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C10) Galactic and stellar dynamics (85A05) Relativistic gravitational theories other than Einstein's, including asymmetric field theories (83D05) Experimental work for problems pertaining to astronomy and astrophysics (85-05)

Cited In (2)

• Space-time variation of coupling constants and fundamental masses
• SPACE–TIME VARIATION OF PHYSICAL CONSTANTS AND THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE

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